meaningful

adjective

mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl How to pronounce meaningful (audio)
1
a
: having a meaning or purpose
The tests did not produce any meaningful results.
b
: full of meaning : significant
a meaningful life
a meaningful relationship
2
: having an assigned function in a language system
meaningful propositions
meaningfully adverb
meaningfulness noun

Examples of meaningful in a Sentence

The test did not produce any meaningful results. She looked at him in a meaningful way. He wanted to feel that his job was meaningful. The trip turned out to be very meaningful for both of them.
Recent Examples on the Web The sibling dance may have been born of painful circumstances, but Chavez’s ever-protective, highly supportive brothers leaned into the joy of her wedding and their sibling reunion with a meaningful soundtrack. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 The council majority has argued the city has kept more money in reserves than needed, and that residents deserve a more meaningful cut amid rising property values. Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 Bayer has a portfolio of strong and meaningful businesses in health and nutrition–but the problems outlined above are real. Bill Anderson, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024 Regent Lark Park raised the broader question of how to make math more meaningful and relevant to students. Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Many ranked it among the most meaningful of their lives. Brendan Borrell, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Willie Downs, a friend of the Rogers family, was skeptical whether moving the trial outside of Nelson County would have any meaningful difference in the case, given the national spotlight on the investigation. Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 21 Mar. 2024 Some justices questioned whether there was a meaningful difference. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Still, charm is only meaningful if backed by competence. Ebony Flake, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'meaningful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of meaningful was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near meaningful

Cite this Entry

“Meaningful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meaningful. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

meaningful

adjective
mean·​ing·​ful ˈmē-niŋ-fəl How to pronounce meaningful (audio)
1
: having a meaning or purpose
meaningful work
2
: full of meaning : significant
a meaningful experience
meaningfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on meaningful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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